The Upper East and Upper West regions of Northern Ghana are facing a dire food insecurity crisis exacerbated by climate change, economic hardships, and regional instability. This precarious situation has worsened with the influx of over 15,000 asylum seekers from neighboring Burkina Faso, recorded as of March 2023.
In response, the United Nations, in collaboration with its partner agencies, launched a joint program on September 26, 2024, in Bolgatanga, aimed at enhancing food security, nutrition, and resilience among vulnerable host communities and asylum seekers.
The newly established program seeks to alleviate the burden on already strained host communities while providing essential support to those most in need. During the launch event, UN Resident Coordinator Charles Abani outlined the program’s key objectives, emphasizing a targeted approach toward the most food-insecure populations, specifically pregnant and breastfeeding women, adolescent girls, and children.
Abani explained that the initiative would offer various forms of assistance, including cash aid, nutrition education, and livelihood support through sustainable agricultural practices. Health services will also be part of the program, addressing the pressing issue of malnutrition. “Directly benefiting 10,200 individuals, including 2,000 asylum seekers and 8,200 members of host communities, the program is expected to indirectly impact up to 20,000 people,” he stated.
The Resident Coordinator expressed his gratitude to the French government and various UN agencies—such as the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, UNHCR, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM)—for their continued collaboration and support. He emphasized the importance of this partnership in creating a brighter future for vulnerable communities, stating, “Together, we are making a difference.”
The Upper East Regional Minister, Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, also addressed attendees, expressing appreciation for the partnerships established through this initiative. He reassured that his administration would work diligently to maximize the program’s potential benefits. Since the arrival of asylum seekers in the region, he mentioned that his office has actively sought ways to support them and will continue to collaborate to ensure the program achieves its intended impact for all vulnerable residents.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHZ|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga|
